MARCY, N.Y. – The SUNY Polytechnic Men's Soccer Team (4-4-2, 3-1-1 NEAC) had its first conference blemish on Saturday, dropping a 3-0 tilt with Wells College.
Max Cherry netted the first score for the Express on a long forward pass by Wyatt Buerkle, giving Wells a 1-0 lead just 9:35 into the game.
SUNY Poly would have a variety of chances after that, including a brilliant try by Francesco Tine (Chatham, N.Y. / Chatham) with about 17 minutes to go in the first half. The sophomore forward sliced through 2 defenders and got a great shot off from ten yards out, dead-center. But Wells keeper Michael Sciotti dove to his left and was able to knock away the shot, which had been headed directly for the lower-right corner of the net.
Sciotti had a remarkable game in net for the visitors, recording a career-high 14 saves. Sciotti was able to tip the scales in Wells favor despite the Express being out shot a whopping 25 to 8 by the Wildcats.
SUNY Poly was also bitten by some bad luck, as a well-struck header from Cameron Prime (Norwich, N.Y. / Norwich) in the 69th minute clanged solidly off the left-post. Prime had risen above the surrounding defenders with a perfectly-time jump on a SUNY Poly corner kick.
Late in the game the Wildcats were forced to push numbers ahead in an attempt to get the equalizer. The Express would end up taking advantage, adding a pair of insurance goals on fast-breaks. Carlos Valdivieso netted the first in the 80th minute on an assist from Alexander Essandoh, and Hunter Sowersby added the third on a nifty chip-shot in the 87th minute.
The Wildcats will now have a week off to prepare for another home conference matchup, as they take on the Keuka Wolfpack this Saturday, October 4th. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 pm.
